Role of leptin in female reproduction

Abstract

Abstract:Reproductive function is dependent on energy resources. The role of weight, body composition, fat distribution and the effect of diet have been largely investigated in experimental female animals as well as in women. Any alteration in diet and/or weight may induce abnormalities in timing of sexual maturation and fertility. However, the cellular mechanisms involved in the fine coordination of energy balance and reproduction are largely unknown. The brain and hypothalamic structures receive endocrine and/or metabolic signals providing information on the nutritional status and the degree of fat stores. Adipose tissue acts both as a store of energy and as an active endocrine organ, secreting a large number of biologically important molecules termed adipokines. Adipokines have been shown to be involved in regulation of the reproductive functions. The first adipokine described was leptin. Extensive research over the last 10 years has shown that leptin is not only an adipose tissue-derived messenger of the amount of energy stores to the brain, but also a crucial hormone/cytokine for a number of diverse physiological processes, such as inflammation, angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, immune function, and most importantly, reproduction. Leptin plays an integral role in the normal physiology of the reproductive system with complex interactions at all levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis. In addition, leptin is also produced by placenta, where it plays an important autocrine function. Observational studies have demonstrated that states of leptin excess, deficiency, or resistance can be associated with abnormal reproductive function. This review focuses on the leptin action in female reproduction.

Adipose tissue in control of metabolism

“…In addition, the satiety effect of leptin is also mediated by regulation of anorexigenic peptides such as POMC, cocaine-and amphetamineregulated transcript, neurotensin, corticotropin-releasing hormone and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (Golden et al 1997, Sahu 1998, Meister 2000, Liao et al 2012. Although the central effect of leptin has been well studied, accumulating studies show that leptin also plays an important role in directly regulating the function of peripheral organs like reproductive organs (Moschos et al 2002, Perez-Perez et al 2015. Leptin targets pancreatic β-cell to modulate glucose homeostasis through producing effects on β-cell mass and insulin expression and secretion (Marroqui et al 2012).…”

Acute Thymic Involution and Mechanisms for Recovery

“…Leptin is a peptide hormone (16 kDa) that is primarily secreted by adipose tissue and acts as an essential regulator of body weight and energy metabolism (Friedman and Halaas 1998;Pérez-Pérez et al 2015). The plasma concentration of leptin is associated with the extent of obesity (Bouloumié et al 1998).…”

“…The plasma concentration of leptin is associated with the extent of obesity (Bouloumié et al 1998). Biologically, leptin is regarded as a multifunctional hormone that is involved in various body functions such as hematopoiesis, osteogenesis, thermogenesis, angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, neuroendocrine processes, arterial pressure control, body weight homeostasis and immune functions (Fantuzzi and Faggioni 2000;Pérez-Pérez et al 2015;Sagawa et al 2002). The synthesis of leptin by various tissues and organs such as the pituitary, placenta, stomach, and skeletal muscle is consistent with its biological roles in these body systems (Reitman et al 2001).…”

In vitro effect of leptin on anterior pituitary cells LH secretory activity during early pregnancy in pig

“…Leptin, a 16-kDa protein named OB, encoded by the obese (ob) gene, is secreted mainly by adipocytes. Although initially leptin was recognized as a crucial regulator of food intake, body fat mass and energy expenditure (Pelleymounter et al 1995) further studies revealed that this hormone is also implicated in the hypothalamic-pituitary regulation of the gonadotropin-gonadal axis, therefore it affects the reproductive processes (Chebab 2014, Perez-Perez et al 2015. The effect of leptin is mainly mediated via its functional receptor -the long isoform (OB-Rb).…”